Laid-Back Paradise Found at Amed Beach in Bali

Jakarta Globe, Morgan Pettersson, Jul 05, 2015

Amed beach is quieter on the crowd front, but not short on experiences.
(JG Photos/Morgan Pettersson)

Jakarta. Nestled on the eastern coastline of Bali lays the hidden gem of Amed Beach.

A laid-back fishing village only a three-hour drive from Denpasar, Amed is the perfect place to relax in Bali without the tourist hordes — think Bali twenty years ago, before the crowds arrived in Kuta and Seminyak, and you have Amed.

Amed stretches along the coastline, a rambling long village featuring one road snaking its way from the rice fields through the mountains to the beach. Here chickens stroll among the traditional fishing boats resting on the shore as roosters strut between lounge chairs.

In Amed, locals come up to you on the beach with no other agenda but to chat and those that are selling items do not hassle you to buy.

You will have no trouble finding a spot on the beach and not feel as though you are tripping over other tourists.

Accommodation options range from high end to budget guesthouse and everything in between so there is something for everyone. With flights from Jakarta to Bali so affordable, why not explore Amed Beach next time you need a city break?

Explore the world below

One thing Amed prides itself on is its diving and snorkeling opportunities, of which numerous are scattered along its long coastline.

The volcanic soil in the area spills down to the ocean, so the black pebble shore line is not the white sand beach — but has a wonderful striking beauty of its own.

Once in the water you can snorkel multiple locations including the Coral Garden at Jemluluk Bay where a sunken temple sits among the swirling clouds of tropical fish.

Dotted along the shore line are local warungs where you can order fresh fish and seafood prepared the traditional Balinese way at affordable prices.

Even better, rest under an umbrella on a sunlounge and sip a refreshing fresh fruit juice or beer between swims.

Hire a small boat to take you to offshore snorkeling locations or to go fishing or simply appreciate Amed from afar.

If you dive, Amed will be your dream destination with both off shore and shore based dive options. The Liberty shipwreck is a favorite location among divers who frequent the area and you can also snorkel over the top as there is plenty to see from the surface.

If you do not hold a dive ticket but want to learn Amed has plenty of dive schools and is a great place to learn about the world beneath the ocean surface. You can also easily hire dive and snorkel gear from the local dive shops for an affordable price.

Experience the country side

If you turn your back to the ocean and look behind you, you will see that Amed has much more to offer than just beaches.

Mount Agung, the highest peak on Bali, looks onto the village in the near distance with rice fields spilling out below.

In fact the rice fields and countryside are part of Amed’s charm, the complete lack of development and traditional farming reminds you that you are in the real Bali.

Hire a motorbike and zoom your way along the winding mountain roads passing by fields and farms as you wind your way higher.

Heading up into the mountains will provide some great vistas over the coastline to take in the view.

If you feel adventurous then why not hike Mount Agung?

Rising at over 3,142 meters above sea level this is not a trek for the faint-hearted. Starting in the night you will arrive at the peak in time for the sunrise over the ocean, the perfect way to wake up.

If you are in need of a complete unwind from busy life in Jakarta then why not go to Rumah Pohon, a hidden meditation garden high up in the mountains.

It can be tricky to find and some of the locals have not heard of it so you will need a driver to take you there — but the views and relaxation will be worth the trouble if you do find it.

Catch a sunset

Watching the sunset is almost a religion in Amed.

Each afternoon you will begin to see people positioning themselves on the look out point over Jemluluk Bay. Here with a perfect view of the bay and Mount Agung looming in the distance you can relax as the sun sets in striking colors.

In fact you will be forced to relax with the local reggae contingent coming each evening to play Bob Marley songs on guitar.

An alternative to watching the sunset over the look out is to go out to the rice fields and watch the sun set over Mount Agung while drinking an ice tea

Here you will feel totally at peace watching the sun cast the mountain and palm trees into striking contrast with the cries of “haaa” echoing as farmers chase birds out of their rice fields.

Next time you travel to Bali for a relaxing getaway, how about skipping the crowds and instead getting back to the real Bali. With beaches, mountains, rice fields, fresh seafood and dramatic sunset views Amed is the hidden paradise of Bali that is not yet in the tourist brochures.